Blogging is an interesting endeavor, quite unlike anything else I have ever experienced before. On the one hand, I have found that most of the blog topics that are my own ideas tend to come from things I am currently wrestling with in my own life or experiences that happen from day to day that impact the message of True Wellness – the basic premise of this blog. On the other hand, there is clearly no doubt that some of my best blogs have come from reader requests. For example, Jamie’s blog request a couple of weeks ago on how to feed babies was a brilliant suggestion. It is a topic that I should have blogged about months ago, but simply hadn’t because my own children are no longer babies and that sort of thought process is not in the forefront of my mind anymore.

It has recently dawned on me that a mix of blog ideas coming from both sources is probably the way to go. After all, this blog is not for me. It is for you andfor my children and your children. Therefore, the topics discussed here should be a blend of the experiences I have had and am currently having on my path of Wellness that may help you on your own journey as well as a conversation about things that you are currently struggling with that perhaps my own experiences can shed some light on.

With that in mind, I am asking you, dear readers, to please comment at the end of this blog with your own blog ideas. If you have more than one idea, then please fire away. I can’t guarantee that every idea will be blogged on. I certainly can’t blog on something if I don’t know anything about the topic suggested! However, I will do my best to blog about every single idea put forth if it makes sense for me to do so. It may take awhile to incorporate them all into this blog’s tapestry of topics. For example, sometimes I have a list of blogs lined up for the week, only to put them all on the backburner when something comes along that supercedes all my planning!

I look forward to reading and contemplating every single one of your blog ideas! I am very excited to see what you all will come up with!

Comments (41)

Hi Sarah,
My daughter is now four months old and unfortunately I didn’t have the knowledge I have now about the risks of vaccinating and she received shots when she was born and at two months. I have decided and have a peace about not vaccinating from here on out, but is there anything I can do to reverse any effects of the vaccines she’s gotten already? Thank you and I’m so thankful I found your blog.

Hi Raquel, just an excellent diet in childhood complete with fermented cod liver oil starting at 3 months old (1/4 tsp per day) is the best protection Perhaps a consult with a holistic practitioner in your area if you wish to have her examined for any negative effects.

I am the mom of two amazing unvaccinated sons. One is now a senior in high school who is finishing his college applications. He is extremely bright and very passionate about health and nutrition, as that has been his whole life. Currently his plan is to attend medical school after college and become a Holistic/Integrative M.D. He wants to be a beacon of light and innovate in this area. He looks to the impact that Dr. Norm Shealey and Dr. Andrew Weil have had on their colleagues and the world. He knows that M.D’s often listen only to other M.D’s, so having this degree will help him have a voice in the scientific community as well as the natural one. What we are now realizing, and did not even anticipate, is that all colleges require vaccines. And in Princeton, they just had a meningitis outbreak that they handled by re-vaccinating the students with a new vaccine from Europe not yet approved here(not that this would help it’s trustworthiness)?

The other thing is that my husband received several booster vaccines before a mandatory business trip to India. He was always the strong one in the house, now he has been sick more in the past three years since being vaccinated than in our 23 years of marriage together.

Now, honestly, I have this amazing son, who has several food allergies, and I thought managing his food allergies in college was going to be his/our only concern.

I am feeling hopeless and panicked, and that has never been the way I tackle things. But, i can’t find a reputable medical school anywhere that allows religious or any exemption from vaccines. Also, being a doctor would require him to get the flu shot every year? I am looking at the colleges, and until he is accepted somewhere, I can’t get solid info on possible exemptions.

Please help! Do I remember that you have at least one in high school, close to college research? There must be so very many unvaccinated d kids wanting to go to college….even medical school or serve in healthcare somehow.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this subject. I love reading your blog and I could really use some help and hope.

I just came upon your blog tonight and am enthralled. I was wondering if you would discuss the WIC program. It seems to defeat its own purpose to me- it seeks to provide women with a healthy nutritional diet, but since I have been enrolled in the program my shopping standards have had to lower Drastically! Things I would never have bought for myself or considered “healthy” are staples of the program, and I just don’t get it. I mean, GMO cereal for your kids? Non-organic milk? The cheapest of the cheap. I understand that it is gov’t funded (n’uff said) but why even bother with such a program if the foods they purport to be healthy will actually be harmful in the long run? Or, if THAT is considered to be healthy, what to most people “normally” eat????

I know this post is older, but I would love to read more about your favorite natural/alternative remedies, as there are times when those who eat a healthy diet, still have health issues to address. Examples – first aid type remedies, alternatives to antibiotics, how to use herbs or e.o’s – whatever you know most about. I know you are so well-researched that I would love to sneak a peek in your “medicine cabinet.”

Thanks for the opportunity to make suggestions! Love the blog; I read and do research in it along with WAP and others.

How about the topic of sunscreen for kids? I have read that many people refuse sunscreen for their kids because of the toxins – what is your position on this? If you have the right mix of fats in your diet, do you need sunscreen? Does it depend on where you live?

I am just starting my endeavor to cook traditionaly in our home. I would like to know what kinds of things store well, as we try to have a one year supply of food. Generally I can fruits and vegies for use throughout the winter, but was wondering what types of other things would be found in the food storage of home that cooks traditionaly.

I second the idea about about wanting to see what you keep on hand in your kitchen – from your equipment to your pantry to your fridge. I would love a tour! If that's too personal, perhaps you could just make a checklist or something that we could print off and keep handy to work towards for our own pantries? Just an idea, but I would find it immensely helpful in getting started.

Also, I notice in your videos that you use filtered water for everything – do you have some kind of filtration system under your sink? Could you walk us through your water purification set-up in your home?

I would like to do a fast after I am done nursing. I want to loose a little weight and detox. I don't think the lemon juice water and maple syrup is what I want to do because lemon can turn the urine alkaline. Do you know of a healthy fast/detox? Thanks for the info on making cream cheese and saurkraut. I am trying more and more tradional preparing of food. You are a super great teacher. Thanks!!!

I have recently learned that my 4 year old has a dairy allergy and it is killing me in the kitchen. I would love a blog post about how to maintain a Nourishing Traditions diet sans dairy. For example, he can't have whey, so what the heck do I soak oatmeal, etc in without giving the oatmeal, etc an off-flavor? Yogurt used to be a daily snack in the house. What the heck do I give him now that has protein and is healthy? Please help! thank you.

I am new to the Healthy Home Economist, but find this blog very interesting. Two ideas for topics come to my mind – sourcing and using marrow bones. The same for fish roe – where to find fish roe and how to use fish roe. Thank you.

Hey Sarah- perhaps you could dedicate a blog to healthy toothpaste? My mom recently has started making her own tooth soap and has been encouraging us to consider doing the same. I've used Colgate Total for years, this week i read the ingredients list and found triclosan in it! Ahhk! Any recomendations would be good, do you make your own?

Sarah,I love your blog! I only recently started reading it and I appreciate all the information. I have a 4 yr old daughter with ASD and a typical 2 yr old son. We are on GFCF diet, natural biomedical interventions and I would like to second the request to blog about vitamin suppliments, feeding older babies as well as your thoughts about acheiving proper nutrition while on GFCF. Thankfully we started early treatment with my daughter and she is very likely to recover I just want to make sure it happens as fast as possible.

I also have extremely picky eaters. It's tough trying to convert them so I try to make substitutes the best I can but that can drive you crazy. I would love ideas for traveling snacks other than fruits.

I loved your blog post about your weekly menu. I know it would probably be a pain but I would love to see a weekly menu post. Even if it's just a days worth of what you ate that day. You have video Thursday maybe you could have menu Friday : )

Hi Sarah,You probably have a healthy list of items to blog about with all the good suggestions above!

Personally, I've been fairly good about following the NT method of food prep but sometimes step out of the loop and have to stumble a bit before getting back into the routine of soaking, fermenting, etc., The biggest challenge I find is planning my meals. Do you write out your menu for the week or do you plan just a few days in advance? What do you do for those times when you get caught up in the day and come home to an empty counter (presumably where the beans or flour are soaking?) Whatever you decide to blog about, I'm sure it'll be an informative read for all. Many thanks!

I see that a lot of people have questions about feeding babies and kids. As some others mentioned, I'd love to have ideas for great snacks for young toddlers and up. With little ones you need an arsenal of snacks to keep them happy when your out. Packaged foods are way to easy to fall back on! What did you give your kids to snack on when they were young? Thanks so much!

Hi SarahI'd be interested in a post on the hidden dangers of personal care products. I've just recently started reading about all of the chemicals in shampoo and soaps and have been looking for info on alternatives.Juicing is another topic I'd be interested in. I bought a juicer over a year ago and have used it twice. I've read conflicting information on which fruits and vegetables to used and would love a NT view on it.The soaking grains/nuts debate is pretty interesting to me too because I can't find any sources that don't lead to NT. Would love to hear more on that.I always love new recipes, especially grain free or sugar free ones.Love the blog and can't wait for more posts. :o)

Hi, Sarah, I have been reading conflicting information about soaking and sprouting for grains, beans and nuts. Have you seen the assertions by people like Dr. Ramiel Nagel that according to research, neither soaking nor sprouting remove much phytic acid? Dr. Nagel's article is lengthy and technical, but here is the link (I hope it comes through properly):http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=6rK_R&m=KYqXHNANkkYfFS&b=8EK55ltplb4BNr3atoctJQHis is not the first article I have read in recent months, which questions the effectiveness of soaking and sprouting. I thought I was doing a good thing for my family by doing these extra steps, so now I'm confused. If you are familiar with the research, I would love to read a blog post on this topic.Thanks,Paula

Hi, a topic that is close to my heart (and attacking my body) is estrogen dominance. I know you've mentioned it in at least one other post. This is something that doesn't just affect people with estrogen dominant diseases, but all people – men, women, and children – and hides behind a variety of symptoms. Right now I am planning a 3+ part post on my blog, but the more people are made aware of it the better. It a major plague of modern lifestyle.

Hi Sarah! I love your blog. You are doing a great job with topics. I particularly enjoy tips on doing the "small" things to help with the health of my family. We're a single income family on a small budget and sometimes it is hard to know where to start. (PS My struggles are food finances, picky children, fatigue, weight gain, and being healthy while pregnant.)Thanks a Bunch!

I love that you are taking blog requests. I have two topics I would love blogged:

Exercise- I know eating the right food is essential for a healthy body, but I also know exercise is too and I lack in that area. What do you feel is the best exercise for us to try and incorporate into our daily routine?

Vaccinations: This is something I think about daily. As of right now Dylan is 4 months old and has not received anything, but I wonder if I am making the right decision. I would love your view and also to know where you find your literature so I can do my own reading and have a peace of mind with my decision I have made.

I would love to have some ideas about healthy snacks for my kids. I am also fairly new to healthy eating and am finding it hard to fill in the between-meal-times, especially since we are homeschoolers and home all the time. My kids are constantly going to the pantry and complaining about "nothing to eat!" Are there any tasty snacks you can make in bulk and freeze? Any ideas would be helpful!

We are working our way towards the "wholest" diet we can get. We love nuts around here. Can you do soemthing about the whole spectrum of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pecans. You name it, we love them around here, but I want to make sure we aren't overdoing it and that we are getting the most out of them.

I have 2 suggestions: Please talk about vitamin supplements. Should we or shouldn't we? How often? what kind? If not, then what is the minimum food we should be eating daily to make sure we have everything we need?

Second: Round stomachs. I know this sounds funny, but how do you get rid of a round stomach? Is it typical after menopause? Is it is sign of undigested food? Grains? I have no health problems and eat well – ie, no sugar, no soda – try to follow NT.

I would really love to see some input about transitioning to a true, healthy diet as well. Not only from the food/nourishment perspective, but especially from the logistics of HOW to do it without going crazy (access to the foods) to the relational side of family members who don't understand what you are doing and why!!! Coming from a medical family this has been a big challenge for me.

I am also interested in the food ideas above, and a blog about "What do you need in your kitchen?" would be a great help, too! I often think, if I could just go look in her pantry and cabinets and see the tools and ingredients she has on hand and replicate that (eventually) that would be sooooo helpful!

Feeding very picky kids… while being a time stressed parent and without breaking the bank! "real food" is much MUCH more expensive then in the USA up here. Ironic- whole, unprocessed, minimally packaged stuff is easy triple the price! Then after making a $40 dinner it is frustrating when (I think its delish) the little ones are ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

How about working your way through Nourishing Traditions? Not every thing, but highlighting things throughout the book. For the newcomer, it is intimidating to get started. Lots of the recipes assume you already know what you are doing.

Making whey, cream cheese,… I don't have the book in front of me but I am sure you know what I mean. I will look through NT and make some suggestions.

Your blogs and vids could be a great help getting people past the insecurities of getting started.

As some mom's above, I am not only educating my self about traditional foods, I am struggling to make enticing foods. But since we are all recovering from the modern diet we have had to avoid lots of sugars and other carbs (fruit and veggie) temporarily to get balance in the gut. So packing snacks and food for the park is a challenge….lately it is cookie cutter-shaped omelets (pastured eggs). How to travel with raw egg and raw milk eggnog? Little one is getting bored…Many thanks or your already valuable posts,Jennifer

I would love to know more about lots of things! I have a 9 year old who is following a vegan path and i am concerned about her hitting puberty and what this could do to her body….she has agreed to add eggs into her diet but will this be enough to get her through. She is on a very soya based diet at the moment. My son 18months has brown stains on his teeth near gum line and little holes. We were vegan and have frantically added eggs and goats milk and cheese to our diets in the hope to stop whatever it is that is causing it. Cannot bring myself to eat meat or fish, and i do still breast feed. Have heard of lots of peole who have a healthy diet who have the same problem even those who are not vegan, have found you via the weston price and nourishing traditons route on the internet. Is adding milk, cheese and eggs to our diet enough?

I know I LOVE anything recipe related!! And, this may sound dumb, but since I am sooooo new to traditional foods- I have a unique problem. As I cut out the fake foods and replace with real foods- sometimes I am so uncertain about what is a truly good and healthy food- then we just don't eat it… and so I am running out of ideas and feel like there really isn't "anything to eat". I've been able to change several BIG areas of our food- but some really simple questions for example grains- specifically rice and pasta- I am still uncertain about… Hope this makes sense!!

You may wish to inform your readers that wild foods are free for the taking if they know where to look. For example, crabapples can be rendered into a lovely, high vitamin C drink rival only to lemonade: Pour boiling water over fruit, allow to sit overnight, simmer until tender, strain pulp: Chill, add to other fruit juices OR just plain with a touch of sweetener.writer61@yahoo.com

I have blogged about vaccines quite a bit – primarily about the insanity of the Swine Flu shot last summer and fall. I am actually in the process of writing a blog about vaccines. It should be posted within a day or so. Welcome to the blog and thank you for commenting!

Actually I was just thinking this morning about some requests! Could you do a blog on the right way to feed older babies? I know you just covered the basics for younger babies but for babies in between 1 and 2 yrs of age? Or more specifically, what types of things are important to include in a diet especially for the less-dairy-inclined baby/kid? So…maybe a blog on how to feed children who cannot tolerate high or "regular" doses of milk/dairy and how to supplement.